[sunflower55]

To all of you who have decided to start the New Year smoke free.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You've made a great decision for the rest of your life!

I've been nicotine free for two months, two weeks, four days, 16 hours, 21 minutes and 5 seconds. That means there have beenb 1992 cigarettes not smoked, saving me $697.58. There has been 6 days, 22 hours, 0 minutes of my life saved.

You can do it. My advice is to keep up with a support group, online or in person. Plan ahead for when those urges come, (and they will come). So, don't forget the 4 D's:
Delay, Distract, Deep Breathe, Drink Water.

Delay.
Don't smoke when you feel the urge. Wait a few minutes to see if it passes. (It will!)

Distract.
Think of something else to take your mind off smoking. Do something else that makes it difficult to smoke (like having a shower or playing a game).

Deep breathing.
Take a deep breath in through your nose and hold it for a count of five. Push out your stomach at the same time. This makes the air go deeper into your lungs, where the smoke used to go. Slowly breath out through your mouth to the count of seven. Repeat this three times and feel the relaxation as your stress floats away. (If this makes you dizzy, do not do it while driving or operating equipment.)

Drink water.
Drink a glass of water, slowly. Hold each sip in your mouth for a few seconds. This will help replace the sensation of having a cigarette in your hand and smoke in your mouth.

Wishing you all the best!
And remember, let us know how it's going, ok?

Remember: Quitters are Winners!
So keep the quit and post before you uff!

Peace!

[princess fiona]

Here's some more need to know tips to make this quit a keeper http://whyquit.com/pr/010211.html

[sunflower55]

It would be GREAT if we all added our own proven tips
to help others quit.

Can anyone else add one?

Peace!

[Skully]

I used meditation and it worked out pretty well.
Also, relaxation CD's would take my mind off it. I get the nature sounds ones, like ocean waves and thunderstorms.

[sharon_gates]

Nice write-up sunflower55!!! It will prove really helpful and encouraging to other quitters in future. Breathing techniques / exercise routines /persuing hobbies do definitely support the whole quit process. Group support also helps to a great extent. Good work and great share, friend!